Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 4:16-17

Today's Favorite Verse: Mark 4:16-17

"And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended."

I pondered on the seed sown on stony ground. These individuals accepted the word of God with gladness. That is such a good thing. Yet they are in danger and oblivious to the condition they are in. They were planted on stony ground preventing their roots from going deep. They were members only on the surface. They were not spiritually feeding themselves to grow deep roots in the gospel. This made me think of something that has be germinating in my mind since general conference.

This quote of President Nelson's has stayed with me since he first became prophet. This last general conference three apostles also quoted it. It's a warning.

"But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)

Then when President Nelson spoke he told us to "Think Celestial".

"As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light. When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your testimony. The Apostle Paul prophesied that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

"There is no end to the adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who “will show unto you all things what ye should do.” Please do the spiritual work to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial", Oct 2023 General Conference)

He's telling us our roots have to be deep or we will not survive the conditions we find ourselves in. It takes time for roots to grow deep. The need for deep roots in now.

Day 3120